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24 deep toxic comas with respiratory assistance were studied by brain-stem reflex and BAEP. Laboratory analysis showed several simultaneous toxics (phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants...). Three groups of patients were defined: Twelve patients with normal BAEP and with relatively preserved brain-stem reflex (oculocephalic and oculovestibular are often disturbed but photomotor is present). Eleven patients with delayed BAEP and with more disturbed brain-stem reflex (photomotor is missing 3 times). In 2 cases (one of which is mentioned above in group B) brain-stem reflex and BAEP disappear and these patients die. Cerebral anoxia is associated here with toxics. Causes of delayed latencies (group B) are discussed (hypothermia, toxics). BAEP seems important in diagnosis and prognosis of toxic coma.

The authors describe the EEG recordings of 107 patients with acute severe cranial trauma and signs of axial lesions. The initial EEG included: sleep patterns, alternating tracings, alpha band tracings which were either nonreactive pseudo-alpha or modulated alpha often reactive, and diffuse slow wave tracings. They found no particular tracing corresponding to a precise level of rostrocaudal destructuration, but some associations were seen more frequently. EEG sleep patterns and alternating tracings were never observed in brain stem lesions, the activity recorded being of low voltage, rigid, and non-reactive. The presence of spontaneous fluctuations (with sleep rhythms in some cases) and reactivity in other levels (mesodiencephalic junction, diencephalic and cortical-subcortical) are good prognostic signs. Focalised EEG signs are seen especially in the more rostral levels.

Recordings were made from 20 newborns during seizures in their first days of life, using a polygraphic study enabling observation of electro-clinical seizures, electric seizures, and seizures with no EEG transfer. The interictal EEG as well as the duration of status epilepticus are discussed. An estimation of the prognosis from the EEG clinical criteria is envisaged. CT scans and ultrasound scans were performed in serious cases of neonatal distress responsible for status epilepticus; these showed diffused or localized oedema of the white matter, either isolated or associated with intracranial hemorrhagic lesions.